Cold feet

Can anyone please help me with the problem of cold feet. I went out saturday afternoon and as the sun began to drop and the temp went with it I started having problem with my feet. When I was on here a few years ago (just getting back in the saddle after a long break!) I was advised to were 2 layers of socks with a plastic bag between. I have been doing this with the outer layer being a thermal cycling sock, but my feet became so painful with cold I had to abandon the ride a few miles from home and get my hubby to come and collect me .
I am wearing trainers that with the two layers of socks makes them a bit tight, could this be part of the problem?

I struggle with this one too and after trying different combinations socks, plastic bags, even tin foil - I've come to the conclusion that a pair of winter boots are the only real solution. But I can't afford them so it's down to damage limitation. Overshoes help noticeably. Keeping the shoe loose helps. Also, I think that riding clipless might be helping because instead of a constant static down pressure on the ball of the feet, you have the ability to take your weight off the foot on the upstroke which aids circulation - not as well as it does when walking but there's some similarity.

I'd love to hear if there will be any other suggestions coming along.

Merino wool socks are excellent for keeping the feet warm; I've the Sealskinz ones and have been very happy so far (1.5 years of use...not constant)

Certainly, having socks or shoes too tight can hinder circulation, and promote cold feet.

I usually put white sports socks over my normal socks, which roll up over the end of the long leggings, and my feet have not got too cold even in the big chill last winter.

try these = http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/heat-holder-sock-p164854

I know they're prob not the best thing to cycle in but I have been wearing snow boots on the bike - they are waterproof, windproof and pretty well insulated, only wear with one pair of normal socks and they really keep my feet warm, I hate having cold feet and they are the only thing that has worked well for me. I got mine for £15 in the sales and they're good enough for now. I would like to try out some merino wool socks though, I have a few tops and they're fab.

I've just been on a little shopping spree and was recommended 'woolie boolies' that are in fact made of mirano wool. they're not cheap but as I told my husband they'll be cheaper than all the new shoes I'll need after I've lost all my toes from frost bite!! I also planned to get some overshoes but they only had my size in the expensive ones, so I'm hoping to get some later in the week when I hopefully go to collect the new pedals I ordered to go with my new spd's

neoprene over shoes are just amazing! Youd not believe it if youve not tried them. They will shower proof your feet, but cant be expected to keep proper water out as itll run down your leg!

Cheap too, I got some from planet-x for a tenner

Thanks for that advice, I'll look out for some!
Only why do these things have to look so ugly and cumbersome

They may look cumbersome and ugly, but they do the trick. Next time you are out have a look at how many cyclists wear them.

I always wear these

I was just about to go out into the rain at the end of a temporary shift when a work colleague told me he thought my overshoes were really cool! I wasn't entirely convinced personally but he was banging on like they'd be the latest fashion. The world is nuts, I tell you, nuts They do help though.

Neoprene and roubaix overshoes - as others have said. I got mine heap cheap off fleabay and wear them all the time in the winter. You just have to come to terms with looking like a prat wearing them, but that's cycling for you .

I'll still wear them, besides I'll be cycling so fast with my new clips that no one will recognise me anyway
The cheapest neoprene I found so far was for around £16 on a site called 'Rose', they also had the cheapest Assos cream but I've not come across this site before. Anyone heard of or used before?

Would neoprene overshoes be compatible with toe clips? I've been having some discomfort on long rides due to the cold.

Yes

Thanks. I shall invest.

Goretex socks (from Gore) do the trick for me.....but they are a bit expensive. They are also great in the summer when it rains.

Rose Bikes? That's a German business that's well thought of, but watch out for postage charges.

For cheap neoprene overshoes, I have the Louis Garneau ones from Evans (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/louis-garneau/neo-protect-overshoes-ec029815) - not worn them in anger yet but look good (£14.99 at the moment, plus there's a 10% off voucher code on site I think).

As MattHB said, Planet X currently have neoprene overshoes for a tenner plus, I think, £2.50 P&P.

No personal experience but I'd have thought that with toe-clips (rather than clipless), you'll have to watch out that shoes + overshoes might be a tight fit, and you might find the overshoe uppers to wear out with the clips/straps rubbing against them.